Have I ever told you our oldest daughter has a small case of hypochondria? Probably not because it's not such a nice thing to say but it is true. It has gotten better. She has gotten better about pointing out small scrapes or bumps (and seriously I mean inspecting her body from head to toe for any unknown injury that may exist and then pointing it out. constantly.). She still makes comments like, "We should take our temperature every day because we may be sick and not know it." BUT we don't hear those things quite as often as we used to. That's not to say they don't still happen. Take today for instance:
Getting into the car after school...
Big girl: Did you know there was a swine flu going around?
Me: Yes, I did.
BG: It's all over Alabama and the United States.
Me: I know.
BG: I probably already have it.
Me: No, you probably don't. You are a healthy girl and you most likely won't get it.
BG: MOST people are going to get it.
Me: No, MOST people will not end up getting it.
I know I will be humored by these conversations later in life when (hopefully) she shakes her fascination with sickness but in all honesty this is one area of parenting where I struggle with her. I know there has to be a line somewhere between tough love and insensitivity that I may be crossing but it has become like the boy who cried wolf.
I want to be thrilled with her being more conscious of hand washing and germs when there is indeed a flu going around but instead I'm more aware of another ailment that she will fixate on. As I type that I'm aware that it probably sounds ugly. I'm just being honest.
I want my girls to see health as a WONDERFUL thing. And, if anything, be thankful that they are NOT sick children. Again, we are making progress. Both of us. She in not talking incessantly about sickness or injuries. Myself by constantly reminding myself that she is her own person and practicing patience.
In the meantime we'll wash our hands to keep swine flu germs away;)
Stay healthy!
2 comments:
Jess,
As a bit of a hypochondriac myself (my friends and family would say I am more than just a bit of one), I can empathize with her. I can't tell you how many times someone has said to me, "just don't worry about it." And I am like, "I wish it were that easy." If she keeps being a worrier, call up my mom and get some advice:) She'll tell you I have been hyper-aware of health since I was very small. But if it makes you feel any better, I am a very productive, sane, extremely happy person -- even though I do still worry about health waaay more than the average person.
This post makes me smile because I know I am not the only one dealing with this now. :) I have a post about Blue Eyes and all the body parts that hurt her in a 3 day period. The baby being here has really helped. If she is "sick" or has a "boo boo" then she can't be around the baby because she might get him sick or he might hurt her boo boo. Works like a charm so if you are still having this problem when the baby arrives try it...maybe it will work for you too. Blue Eyes also HATES shots so I acted like I believed her and it was serious enough to need a shot and she really backed off then too. Just a couple of suggestions. Blue Eyes is also obsessed with medicine. If anyone takes medicine or she coughs or stiffs (even once) she says she needs medicine. I think they do this to see over and over that we will take care of them because no one ever took care of them before.
Good luck and hang in there.
Post a Comment